2000-2005 Saturn L-Series: Road Test

A reasonably accomplished performer, the L-Series is distinguished by fine handling. Opel-derived suspension tuning pays off in impressive high-speed stability. These midsize Saturns corner with confidence and modest body lean. Steering is linear and communicative, though it may feel heavy at low speeds. Some 4-cylinder stick-shift models have felt too light at high speeds. Sedans and wagons handle nearly identically, though wagons ride marginally stiffer. Neither absorbs bumps as well as a Camry. Buyers get a firm, Eurostyle ride in exchange for sporty road manners. Stopping power and pedal feel are impressive. Saturn has claimed that the volume-leading LS1/L200 with automatic takes 9.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, while a V6/automatic LS2/L300 did it in 8.2. Some early V6 models showed poor throttle response at takeoff and slow downshifts when passing, but others felt spry even in hilly terrain. A test V6/automatic sedan averaged 19 mpg, while a 4-cylinder/automatic wagon got an impressive 26.6 mpg. L-Series models are as quiet as most competitors. Road, wind, and engine noise are well-muffled. The 4-cylinder engine sounds richer under hard throttle than the V6. Four adults have as much room as in an Accord or Camry, even if the L-Series does not match their interior refinement. Cloth seats are more supportive than the optional leather. Rear leg space is ample, with head clearance for 6-footers, but the cushion is soft and low. Vision directly rearward is constricted by the high deck. Instruments are large and clear. Sedans have a large, accessible trunk. Interiors have a low-budget look. Door handles are uninviting plated plastic, and audio controls are small and plasticky.

Value for the Money
Though not class leaders, L-Series models satisfy in most performance areas. Although cabins are roomy, they're furnished modestly. New-car prices undercut those of comparable Accord and Camry models, and Saturns are likely to remain lower than those competitors on the used-car market.